VANCOUVER, Wash. - It has been a solid last two seasons for the Penguin men's cross country program.  Top three in the Southern Region and top five in the NWAC each of the past two years, along with a number of All American, All Conference, and All Region individual honors is a lot to be proud of. Still, an NWAC trophy and a top three finish will always be the goal for Clark College cross country and track and field. This year's team appears to be the most poised to accomplish that goal due to the talent and experience in the program.

Lets meet the team!

The Penguins return three major contributors from last season led by Ryan Koenninger (Vancouver, WA/Skyview HS). Koenninger was All-Region in cross country and All Conference in track in the steeplechase. Joining Koenninger on the All Region Team was Mason Ball (Tumwater, WA/Tumwater HS). Ball turned in his best performance at the regional with a 27:29 in the 8 kilometer race. The super consistent Dylan Stevenson (Troutdale, OR/Reynolds HS) was strong throughout last year as he placed in the Penguin top seven all fall. In the spring Stevenson was 4th in the Southern Region at the 5K distance and 10th at the NWAC Championships in the 10K. 

Returner Tim Bradshaw (Ridgefield, WA/Cedar Tree Classical HS) won the Penguin time trail and was having a great season in 2023 before an injury kept him from competing during championship season. He returned to track in the spring and earned three All-Conference honors to show he's back and stronger than ever. While technically a returner to the program but entering his first cross country season, Branden Chou (Vancouver, WA/Mountain View HS) brings a huge boost to the team. A two time All American in track, Chou returns to the sport where he was the District Champion in high school. His easy victory at the team trial was a definite sign of what's to come. Rounding out the returning group is Kyle Williams (Hockinson, WA/Hockinson, HS). Williams was tenth at the time trial and is competing to earn a travel spot. 

The Penguins add a promising group of freshman who will be immediate contributors, important depth pieces, and long term projects. The top runner so far has been Cain Duncan (Keizer, OR/McNary HS). The top 50 finisher at the 6A Oregon State XC Championships last year finished second at the team time trial and boasts a 16:08 5K PR. Also a part of the top five at the team time trial was Elijah Cisneros (Sunnyside, WA/Sunnyside HS). Cisneros' 16:53 5K personal best time shows his ability and why he will be a big piece of the 2024 team. Former high school rivals Hayden Davis (Camas, WA/Union HS) and Ben Carter (Camas, WA/Camas HS) were neck and neck at the time trial and will be battling for a top eight spot all season long. Liam Churchman (Washougal, WA/Washougal HS) has been a bit banged up in the early season, but when healthy will be right in the mix. 

The Penguin men open the season at the University of Puget Sound Invite on August 31st. They will attempt to defend their Souther Region Championship at Clackamas on October 26th, and then cap off the season at the NWAC Championships on November 9th at Chambers Bay Properties in University Place.  

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